Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre to Advance Education, Culture, and Conservation Efforts in Clayoquot Sound 

Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Tofino, British Columbia, May 16, 2024 — The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is thrilled to announce a major milestone in the development of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. The Centre has received a significant investment of over $7.17 million from the Federal Government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. This net-zero facility has been a longstanding vision of the CBT and local partners for several decades. This announcement represents a significant step towards achieving this dedicated space, which will advance sustainable development, youth empowerment, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience.   

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is situated within one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO biosphere regions, renowned for its ecological richness and cultural heritage. Spanning 9,400 square feet, the Centre will meet zero carbon building design standards and embody a holistic approach to sustainability using the Living Building Challenge framework.  

The Biosphere Centre will provide Tofino, Ucluelet, ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation) with a shared space, fostering community health and well-being, reconciliation, education and research, cultural understanding, sustainability, and economic development. A regional hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and traditional knowledge, the new building will include accessible spaces for learning, a teaching kitchen, an Elder’s room, a UNESCO visitors centre, archives, as well as space for the CBT and partner organizations to host programs and events that achieve our shared vision. 

The Centre will offer immersive indoor and outdoor learning experiences tailored to diverse audiences. Visitors and residents alike will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the biosphere region’s ecological and cultural significance, enjoy innovative programming, and engage in opportunities including culinary training aimed at strengthening local food security.  

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is anticipated to cost $15 million, of which $9.9 million has been secured to date through grants and philanthropic giving. CBT’s capital campaign to complete the project continues. To learn more or to donate, contact Michelle Hall at michelle@clayoquotbiosphere.org or visit clayoquotbiosphere.org/the-biosphere-centre/overview

“The construction of the Biosphere Centre represents a significant milestone in our collective journey towards equity and reconciliation. Through meaningful engagement and thoughtful design, we are creating a space that reflects the diverse voices and aspirations of our communities.”Rebecca Hurwitz, Executive Director, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust  

“As Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, we're deeply grateful for the Federal Government’s investment in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. This milestone embodies our commitment to reconciliation and cultural preservation. Situated in our ancestral territory, the Centre will foster healing and promote understanding of our region's cultural significance, ensuring a lasting legacy for youth and future generations.” Lorena Frank, CBT Director and Biosphere Centre Development Committee member appointed by ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) 

“We are profoundly grateful for the grant funding from Infrastructure Canada through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. With this support, we can realize our Biosphere Centre vision - a safe and inclusive community space to deliver education and research programs, support economic development, practice sustainable tourism, and drive social innovation. Built with sustainability at the forefront, we look forward to demonstrating green building technology locally and inspiring innovation among UNESCO biosphere regions globally through this transformational project.” Naomi Mack, CBT Co-chair for tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht First Nations) and Nicky Ling, CBT Co-chair for ACRD Area C 

“A tribute to all those who have worked so diligently with the CBT, First Nations and local and regional governments, over many years to strengthen community resilience and promote conservation through public education. May this wonderful facility inspire generations to come and contribute to the health of our planet." Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni 

“The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre will be a valuable asset to Tofino and area in terms of reconciliation, cultural understanding, economic development, and environmental conservation. The Biosphere Centre will facilitate important programming, dialogue, and learning opportunities for local Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and other communities in the region, as well as for visitors. We will continue to invest in a brighter future for Canadians by supporting projects that encourage collaboration, innovation, and the adoption of more sustainable practices.” Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 

“The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is a climate-smart, mass timber building that promotes sustainable economic development and ecological preservation. It is a remarkable project from B.C.’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program—a community and research hub inspired by historic First Nation architecture that encapsulates UNESCO’s goals of promoting education, science and culture. Clayoquot Sound is one of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems in the world and soon it will have an incredible centre that assists in making people, and the ecosystem, thrive.” Brenda Bailey, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation 

About the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust 

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia. Established in 2000, the CBT is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere region. We pair the spirit of community with the power of a global presence to bring more people together for a shared understanding. Our team works to strengthen the development of all citizens, communities, and the ecosystems on which we all depend, for a future we can all be proud of. To find out more visit www.clayoquotbiosphere.org.   

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

Michelle Hall 
Campaign and Donor Relations Lead 
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust 
Cell: +1 250 522 0142 
Email: michelle@clayoquotbiosphere.org 

New Signage: Welcoming You to the Haḥuułi of the Five Central Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations

September 9, 2024
If you’ve driven from Port Alberni to the coast recently, you may have noticed a new sign 2km before you arrive at “the junction.” The sign welcomes you to the ḥaḥuułi of the five central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations — hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) — where the biosphere region is designated. 

Announcing the 2024 Vital Grants

September 5, 2024
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vital Grants. This year, the CBT awarded $80,000 in funding to three inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.

Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

September 3, 2024
We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

Announcing the 2024 Biosphere Research Award

August 29, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Biosphere Research Award. This year, the CBT awarded $20,000 in funding to Ha’oom Fisheries Society for their Coho Vitality Project.

Join our Team!

August 27, 2024
*This position has been filled!  The construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre creates an opportunity to exemplify the richness of the region’s cultures in a physical space, providing opportunities for all local artists to preserve culture and traditional knowledge, while creating accessible economic opportunities through art. The Art Program Coordinator engages community members and partners with the goal to plan, gather, and supervise the creation and installation of art in the future building in scale with available funding.

Newsletter Feature: World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions

August 26, 2024
We’re honored to have been featured in the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions newsletter! This spotlight highlights the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Center and the ongoing efforts in the region to reduce plastic pollution, alongside our collaborative stewardship initiatives. Read more!

Announcing the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants

August 20, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture grants. This year, eleven inspiring projects in our region have been awarded a total of $30,000 in funding. These grants focus on supporting arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation. They aim to promote cross-community and cross-cultural engagement, facilitate learning and teaching opportunities, and strengthen arts capacity through workshops, collaborations, and education. Additionally, these grants prioritize equity-seeking initiatives that address barriers to equal access and participation in the arts, focusing on BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. 

Announcing the 2024 Youth & Education Grants

August 9, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Youth and Education grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $52,000 in funding to eleven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in CBT's 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Join our Team!

July 24, 2024
*This position has been filled!  We’re looking for an Executive and Finance Assistant to support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, hosting events, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events. Apply now!

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience! 

Marcie Callewaert Reflects on her Leadership Journey

May 6, 2024
“Participating in LVI gave me back my leadership confidence that I had lost somewhere along the way. It was a great reminder of what I am capable of and provided me with tools to strengthen my skills as I move forward in new roles. Because of LVI, I took chances that I never would have taken just a few years ago and they paid off! I am so thankful for the community of support that LVI creates during the program and in the months and years afterwards."